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Anyone running stage 3 with the bulletproof tmic mod on a 2008+ wrx? I have a 2011 wrx with catted dp, catback exhaust, and cobb sf intake running torqued performance stage 2. I really only intend to ever DD my car with random spirited runs and limited WOT. Doubt I'll track/race/autox the car anytime soon. Would definitely like some more power even if its just for everyday driving.

So, would the stock "upgraded" intercooler suffice? Or do I really need an aftermarket top mount? I've already emailed Eric to get his opinion, but I'd like anyone with personal experience or others with thoughts. Also, thoughts on the fuel pump and colder plugs? Thanks!

The OEM WRX TMIC is the best DD intercooler you can have... once it is fitted with the BulletProof Mod. There is plenty of evidence this is fact. This IC heatsoaks less than any other TMIC and modded it holds any boost you can throw at it.

Were you going to build a race car, or even going for the most from almost any turbo, a good aftermarket TMIC like the Process West will work better because of its lower internal resistance (allows an extra psi of boost) and larger core. But there are BP Modded cars doing track duty successfully in the heat of the CA desert without issue. Don't believe all the hype.

The question you have to ask yourself is, is one extra psi of boost worth the BIG bucks, at the cost of significantly increased heatsoak?

Another thing not generally considered, and while not as obviously evident in a large top mount intercooler, as opposed to a front mount, is the fact there is a difference in boost response... the smaller the core the sharper the response. This is one reason some go to water cooled intercoolers. To sum it up, except for the obvious Achilles Heel of the endtanks separating on them the LGT and 08+ WRX TMIC is the smallest, most efficient, lowest thermal mass intercooler you can get. And once BP Modded, at very low cost, it has zero downsides.

Here is another time-tested mod that costs virtually nothing, and provides OEM reliability with all the benefits of the best aftermarket BPV. I've used it on my own cars since 2005 with excellent success... including with an aftermarket turbo. Sixteen cents... but can cost nothing to do but maybe an hour of your time.

The first time you do this mod you notice the improvement in the way the car drives. Everything works better. The OEM BPV is, after all, always open until told to close, thus there is always that time frame where no boost can build. But, once modded, your fine OEM stocker is always closed until told to open! The benefits aren't difficult to imagine.

This mod goes perfectly with any stage of tune, but especially fits the mindset of the OP... IMHO.

Really need the spark plugs and fuel pump bro. I've been running stage 3 for about 5k miles and it's been great. Honestly if Eric lists something in his map notes you should really listen to them since you are running HIS maps on the car. I briefly went stage 3 without plugs and Eric told me for added security he would feel more comfortable if i had the one step colders in.

Awesome, thanks for the replies. The tmic is really the only expensive piece of equipment for the stage 3 upgrade it seems. So essentially it sounds like the main reason to upgrade from the stock tmic is the fact that it can't hold enough boost due to the plastic end tanks? Not the fact that it does not cool as well. Especially since I'm just DDing, the bulletproof mod sounds right up my alley. Now I just need to read into fuel pumps.

Awesome, thanks for the replies. The tmic is really the only expensive piece of equipment for the stage 3 upgrade it seems. So essentially it sounds like the main reason to upgrade from the stock tmic is the fact that it can't hold enough boost due to the plastic end tanks? Not the fact that it does not cool as well. Especially since I'm just DDing, the bulletproof mod sounds right up my alley. Now I just need to read into fuel pumps.

Dw65c is a great pump and has been on my car for the past 9k miles. No issues and drops right in.